Thanks for the replies and the information. The strategy of fixing a salary and then renegotiate 6 months later if I've made a mistake is a great idea. While I know the franc is the currency in Switzerland, I'm talking in Euros because I'll be relocating to the Basel area and it's a very real option to live in France and commute across the border daily.

I have searched and searched but I cannot find a link to a decent COL table that would compare the US and Switzerland. I've found salary survey links but they all require a subscriptions, which I'm not willing to do unless I can be sure of the information I'll receive. Does anyone have a link to one ? I couldn't link to the one you gave in your reply.

So, when you say that you're not sure that salaries in Europe are lower than in the US, what does that mean. At current exchange rates, they're probably equivalent, but in terms of consumer buying power, there's probably a gulf. If I earn $115k in the US, is it reasonable to factor in COL rates, lets say it's 1.2for CH, and ask for CH1.2*115k.

Thanks Bevdeforges, as I said I'm a french national but have lived in the US for 13 years. I'm fairly well americanised at this point. My wife and I are going over a few days early to check out the local economy, maybe even look at house prices.
I have tried to find chemical engineer salaries tables for Europe, but to no avail, even tougher for CH. If you know of any links for this, I would be gratefull.

Also, does anyone have experience of living in France and working in CH ?

Thanks for help and any information, Seosamh.